My Nevada

Wine, Food & Gardens...Oh my!

I'm a fan of gardening and wine. What a great way to combine both! Maybe we will see you there....

But the food from last year looks absolutely yummy! Pictures and recipes from 2008 are available at Dishing Up and it looks really good.

June 7 – “Organic Uncorked”

11th Annual Organic Wine/Beer Tasting

Fundraiser, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Nevada EcoNet and Moana Nursery will host this event at

Moana Nursery, 1100 W. Moana Lane. Tickets are $30 in

advance, $40 at the door and can be purchased at both Moana Nursery locations.

Nevada EcoNet is Northern Nevada's Environmental Resource. More about this event from their website... "Organic Uncorked is Nevada EcoNet's annual fundraiser for the past ten years.  It is an organic beer and wine tasting donated by Southern Wine and Spirits hosted at Moana Nursery on Moana Lane.  Local Chefs including Nancy Horn of Dish Cafe, Jennifer Bushman of Vintage Wine Shop, and Lyn Slovak of Flourish with  prepared scrumptious organic flavors from local farms. 

The Local Food Systems Network works with a number of farms to highlight local delicacies including Great Basin Food Co-op, The River School, Nevada Grown and more.  A silent auction features items from green businesses from EcoNet's Green Guide."

Time for a Change?

A change in climate, generous tax advantages for individuals and businesses, outdoor activities year round . Many are still looking to move to Nevada and the reasons are many. When making the change, consider the advantages of making your next home or business green. Nevada has all the wind, sun and geothermal energy necessary to live efficiently and save money. 

Homes are more affordable than ever, upgrades are becoming more affordable with more options than ever before. Roof shingles are now solar panels to be pleasing to the eye and the planet. Wind power is accessible is smaller and more efficient packages. Supply your new home with the best quality appliances have them pay for 

themselves with tax incentives and energy savings.

The world isn't going to fix itself so it is up to us to make smart financial decisions and eco friendly choices. In the future, we will all be looking at smart homes for many reasons. Currently, the recession is constantly on everyone's mind. Many people never want to allow themselves to be beholden to the actions of others. Home buying needs to be an informed process. Outdoor & Resort Properties' agents are educated about the Northern Nevada real estate market bringing the best resources in smart home buying.

Times are changing rapidly. The real estate market is showing signs of recovery. Is it time for you to make your change too?

Moving to Save Money?

Nevada has low tax burden and high per capita income

Nevada does not charge income tax. Did you know Nevada has a Constitutional ban against income tax?

From the State of Nevada website

Article 10.1.9.  No income tax shall be levied upon the wages or personal income of natural persons.

The State of Nevada also has a great PDF document summing up this info.....

Nevada Department of Taxation

January 26, 2009

No Nevada Income Tax

The Nevada Department of Taxation receives an enormous number of inquiries regarding issues relating to Federal Income tax. The State of Nevada does not participate in the administration of Federal Income Tax nor does it levy a State personal, business or corporate income tax. The Nevada Department of Taxation does not require informational copies of Nevada residents’ Federal Income Tax forms. Federal Income Tax inquiries should be directed to the official IRS website at www.irs.gov.

That is the entire document. If you don't believe it, you can read it here

Short, sweet and to the point. Yep, thats definitely Nevada for you!

Tax Burden for Nevada is ranked 49th with a low 6.6%, only beat by Alaska

The national average is 9.7% This information is based off of how much taxes do residents pay in their own state and excludes tourist tax revenue from residents of other states. This is not based on tax collection but strictly tax burden to live in that state. 

California is ranked 6th at 10.5%, New Jersey is ranked 1st at 11.8%

And Nevada ranks 7th for highest Income Per Capita at $49,371

Our tourism keeps us affordable and desirable!

Taxes are important considerations when looking to make a move. For your business, for your family, Nevada is an affordable place to be.

Green home prices in Virginia City Highlands

I just can't believe what low prices we are seeing in Virginia City Highlands. That is sad and great at the same time. Look at this house built in 2006! It is a short sale what means the bank will have to take the highest and best offer.

It sits on 10 ac of land and has just about everything your heart desires. When someone has to lose, someone else wins.

All the Dirt on Gardening: Earth Day Is an Opportunity for Each Person to Make One Change to Help Mother Earth

All the Dirt on Gardening: Earth Day Is an Opportunity for Each Person to Make One Change to Help Mother Earth

I recently discovered the ladies over at All the Dirt on Gardening and have come to appreciate all of their posts. I recommend reading them if you garden, or are interested in starting!

This post is a must read. They have info to improve gardening habits to recycle/reduce/reuse. Excellent book recommentations if you have been looking!

Kids Go Green

To end Earth Day, I must say my kids finally get it. I mean UNDERSTAND! Hellelujah!!!

I have to give some show on Nickalodeon credit. They say something like, turn off the lights for 98 seconds and we'll save the planet. I'm writing and the kids run around the house like short lunatics to turn off lights and realize the only light on is the turtle's. They're bummed.

But it opened a door for them to understand why we are always fussing to turn off the lights, don't waste, hang the towels after showering, refill a water bottle, etc. etc. Yes, we are parents and it is our job to ride you obnoxiously, but we know what we're doing! And bless them, the light went on in their little heads.

We talked about the reasons we do what we do. It saves our family money and helps keep our planet a cleaner place. We don't live in a dirty house and we don't want a dirty planet. I was quizzed about what we've done to be more "Green". They eventually walked away listening to recycling water, changing the light bulbs, benefits of Energy Star appliances, manure in the garden instead of commercial fertilizers, building an arbor versus installing A/C and on and on and on.....

I feel for them. But maybe. Just maybe. I won't have to fuss as much about turning off the lights when they leave a room.